Travel Trailer Rental Advantages and Disadvantages

For a slight increase in size and costs, a trailer rental is an affordable way to enjoy more living and storage space.

You’ll also get the added convenience of having your own truck for quick transportation.

TIP: Because they have more living space than truck campers, trailer rentals are better for travelers with kids and vacationers on longer journeys.

As long as the RV rental company believes that your vehicle has adequate towing capacity you’ll be able to enjoy benefits such as

More selections and location availability than truck camper rentals.

Comfort and familiarity with vehicle controls and handling

More options for exploring with your own vehicle

Greater fuel savings over typical motorhome rentals

The biggest disadvantage to renting a towable RV trailer is learning how to feel comfortable behind the wheel.

Driving, maneuvering and backing up all take practice.

In addition, solo travelers may find trailers too difficult to operate because it’s much easier to back into campsites when you have a partner who can guide you into the spot from outside the vehicle.

Where to Rent Truck Campers and Trailers

Despite all of the advantages of renting small RVs, truck camper and trailer rentals aren’t as widely available as motorhomes – especially in the US.

Whether it’s due to liability issues, insurance complications, operational challenges or overall reliability statistics, the largest RV rental companies in the lower 48 states don’t offer either type for rent.

But don’t let that discourage you.

With a little bit of research you should be able to work with one of the few RV rental companies who do rent truck campers and trailers.

Truck Camper Rentals

Perhaps because so much of Canada and Alaska is inaccessible to larger vehicles, truck camper rentals are widely available to anyone who wants to explore the northern frontier’s rugged dirt roads.

If this is your type of vacation, consider starting your rental search with one of the following companies:

General RV Rental Cost Considerations

Here’s some things you might want to consider before you make your RV rental decision.

Overall Trip Costs

Despite what many RV rental companies imply, the final costs of vacationing by RV are usually comparable to flying and staying in hotels, so don’t expect to save a ton of money by renting.

However, the advantage to choosing this vacation method is you’ll get more freedom to create your own adventure instead of sticking to flight schedules and hotel reservations. This alone is a HUGE benefit.

Mileage Fees

Like car rentals, most RVs come with a mileage allotment and you will be charged fees for going over your share.

Be sure to find out how many miles per day or per rental period you’re allowed to use as part of your contract, and how much it will cost per mile if you exceed your allowance.

Pets and Smokers

Smokers will find it almost impossible to find RV rental companies who will let you light up inside the vehicle.

Vacationers who want to bring pets will find it challenging but not impossible to locate companies who allow them to come along.

Private party rentals may offer more options for smokers and pets.

Age and Insurance Requirements

Although you don’t need a special license to drive a truck camper or haul a trailer, at the very minimum most RV rental company require all drivers to be over the age of 25 and carry full vehicle liability insurance coverage.